Tamang Heritage & Langtang Valley Trek

Learn about sacred Tibetan culture as you walk the wild terrains of the Tamang Heritage Trail

Sacred Tibetan culture permeates every inch this expedition, seemingly touching everything in its path… including you. The opening of the Tamang Heritage Trail, which was once an unexplored part of the Langtang National Park, allows you to venture deep into the Tamang hinterland. This trek takes you through the verdant midlands and into Tamang villages including Briddim and Gatlang, where you will have a chance to immerse yourself in local culture. The Tamang people were originally Tibetan horse traders who used to migrate back and forth between Tibet and the lowlands of Nepal. They are considered one of the oldest tribes of Nepal, with roots tracing back to the ancient people of Mongolia. Your trek takes you through alpine terrain, meadows and rhododendron forests, taking in soaring views of Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal.

After the devastating earthquakes of 2015, Intrepid Travel, together with our not-for-profit organisation The Intrepid Foundation, launched the Namaste Nepal campaign to encourage visitors back into the region. For the 2015/16 season, we donated all profits from our Nepal trips to local projects and international NGOs, such as PLAN International and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). We’re very proud to report that we raised over $A700,000 through traveller donations and contributions from our business.

Why you'll love this trip

An overnight homestay with a local family in Briddim allows you to share stories, experience some traditional home cooking and sleep overnight in a comfortable wooden home

Walk uphill to discover a 100-year-old monastery in the village of Gatlang then head out to find Parvati Kunda, the secret lake that is revered for its apparent powers of fertility

Perhaps encounter troops of Grey Langur Monkeys as you pass through the rhododendron forest of Thaman on your way to the quaint village of Brimdang

A chance to stay overnight on a farm in Nuwakot, where you can pick fresh vegetables and take a cooking class

Is this trip right for you?

This trek covers approx 5-8 hours a day to a max altitude of around 4800m (max altitude we sleep is approx 3800m)

On this trek you’ll be stepping off the typical tourist trail and into the Tamang hinterlands. This trip is ideal for those looking to experience something unique, where you won’t be surrounded by many other people.

You’ll be rewarded with hot showers and running water (solar/gas energy) in Gatlang, Thuman, Briddim & Syabrubesi. But in the rest of the places you’ll just be using a simple bucket shower. Also be aware that most of the toilets are local squat toilets and there are no attached bathrooms to any of the guesthouses we stay in.

A typical breakfast on the trail includes porridge, pancakes, Tibetan bread, egg, Suchya and Champa (Butter tea and wheat flour) and muesli. For lunch and dinner you will generally eat delicious momo (dumplings), noodles, spaghetti, dal-bhat and spring rolls

Gallery

Itinerary

You’ve arrived! Meet your group leader and fellow travellers for a Welcome Meeting at 2pm. After the briefing, it’s a free afternoon and evening, but the tour leader will usually organize an optional evening dinner at one of the Kathmandu’s great restaurants.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Kathmandu - Rickshaw Night Explorer Urban Adventure - USD68

Kathmandu - Kathmandu by Bike Urban Adventure - USD100

Kathmandu - In Focus: Cook in Kathmandu Urban Adventure - USD93

Kathmandu - Kathmandu Living Urban Adventure - USD66

Kathmandu - Everest Scenic Flight - USD200

Meals Included

There’s an early morning departure today, as we join the road that heads northwest through Balaju. Together, we’ll make a steady climb to the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, eventually arriving at the pass at Kakani. As we wind ever upwards to the Trisuli bazaar you’ll get views of the Manaslu Massif, Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal. Prepare yourselves for a few humps and bumps, because the road from Trisuli onwards begins to deteriorate. You’ll be driving in these conditions for around 50 kms (31mi) to Dhunche and then another 15 km (9mi) to Syabrubesi. Tonight’s accommodation is a basic teahouse.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Hope you had a good night’s sleep, because today is going to start with a long climb. For around 2 hours you’ll be ascending up a slew of switchbacks that mark the beginning of our foray into the trail. It’s all worth it when you reach a vantage point with views of Ganesh Himal, the Gosainkunda range and Langtang Lirung. Along the trail you’ll see numerous Buddhist Chortens and mani walls, which all add another dimension to this picturesque landscape. After descending for around 45 minutes we’ll reach the little Tamang village of Goljung, where we’ll stop for lunch. There’s still 2.5 hours until we reach today’s destination, another Tamang village called Gatlang (altitude of 2238m). Besides its obvious cultural richness and stunning location, Gatlang also boasts a 100-year-old Tamang monastery and the secret lake, Parvati Kunda. Legend has it that this lake was discovered in ancient times while the King of Gatlang was on his way to find a missing hunting dog. It is now revered by women for its apparent powers of fertility. You’ll reach each of these landmarks after a 45-minute uphill walk.

Accommodation

Teahouse (1 night)

Meals Included

Are you ready? Today is commonly known as “the toughest day of the trek”. But the rewards far outweigh the grueling bits. Descend gradually along the ridge to the Bamdang Khola, which turns north along the Chilime Khola until you reach the town of Chilime (around 2 hours walking). After crossing a suspension bridge (always fun) you’ll begin an arduous climb of around 450-metres to the village of Gongang. It’ll take around 1.5 hours of steep uphill climbing but there’s a lunch break on arrival. The next section is much less physically strenuous, as you continue the ascent for around 2 hours until you reach Tatopani (2607m).

Accommodation

Teahouse (1 night)

Meals Included

As you pass through an incredible rhododendron forest clinging to the side of the mountain, the vines and moss-covered trees give your environment a real “prehistoric” feel. Although, instead of dinosaurs you’re more likely encounter troops of Grey Langur Monkeys. Further on, we reach the village of Brimdang, before continuing up the side of the highest and steepest part of the trail. One ridge after another offers better and better views of Ganesh Himal to the west and the Langtang range on the east. The ridgeline ends atop the open grasslands of Nagthali Hill (3210m), approximately 45 minutes from Brimdang. All of a sudden you are surrounded by jaw-dropping views of Langtang Lirung, Kerung, Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma on the Tibetan side; while before you the Sanjen Ranges open up. No wonder the hill served as a perfect place of meditation and contemplation for monks. Spend as long as you’d like here, taking in the views and enjoying the sense of accomplishment. Then it’s time to descend approximately 900-metres through deep woodlands to Thuman, which faces the Shisapangma and Langtang Lirung peak. A distinct Tibetan influence can be felt in the village, with its Shamanistic beliefs, ancient monasteries and houses covered in woodcarvings.

Accommodation

Teahouse (1 night)

Meals Included

Today we pass through rhododendron forests and meadows to reach the Tamang village of Briddim, located in the heart of the Langtang Himal. It will take just over 2 hours of uphill walking. Briddim marks the end of the Tamang Heritage Trail, and is often a highlight for many of our travellers. Here you will get to experience a homestay with a local family, sleeping overnight in their comfortable wooden home. You’ll get a richer understanding of the culture here, and share stories with your host.

Accommodation

Homestay (1 night)

Meals Included

Continue along the trail through the hilly region of Khangjim and Sherpagoan, learning about the rich culture of the Tamang and Sherpa communities along the way. After trekking for around 7 hours, reach our friendly guesthouse. Lama Hotel is the name of a collection of guesthouses that marks the start of the Langtang Valley. The standard of accommodation in Lama Hotel is slightly below the usual standard on this trip, but still comfortable.

Accommodation

Teahouse (1 night)

Meals Included

Ascend through Langtang National Park via Gumnachowk and Ghotatabela, finally reaching the village of Langtang. (Approx. 5-7 hours walking) Langtang National Park was established in 1976 to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region; rhododendron, Nepalese alder and oak forest thrive, due to the temperate conditions. The park is also home to red pandas, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards and more than 250 species of birds. Spend the evening at a comfortable, newly built guesthouse. Don't forget to refill your water bottles tonight at the newly installed WWF/Intrepid funded water purifier close by.

Accommodation

Teahouse (1 night)

Meals Included

In the morning, take the trail up towards the rebuilt village of Kyanjin; both sides of the path are flanked by stunning views of distant snow-capped mountains. Today we’ll encounter Tamang and Sherpa inhabitants along the trail, as they go about their days. Todays hiking is between 4 and 5 hours. Acclimatise this evening with a short climb above the village for great views of the surrounding valley.

Accommodation

Teahouse (1 night)

Meals Included

Wake up early (4:30am) this morning for an optional walk to Kyanjin Gompa (4800m) for a stunning sunrise. Its a tough hour hike up a switch back trail in the dark where we gain 1000 metres. Or sleep in and have a relaxing breakfast before heading out to explore the village and learn more about the lifestyles of the Tamang and Sherpa communities. Keep your eyes peeled for the German Bakery! Otherwise take a short hike up to the glacier or one of several interesting walks around the village.

Its a big downhill walk back to Lama Hotel tomorrow.

Accommodation

Teahouse (1 night)

Meals Included

After breakfast, head back down the trail, via Langtang and Ghoretabela to Lama Hotel. We’ll walk for around seven hours today, and will descend 1,600 metre. Its a long day of hiking but we are heading downhill all day but there should be a 'mountain cold' Sherpa beer waiting for you at the bottom.

Accommodation

Teahouse (1 night)

Meals Included

It’s an early start today. After breakfast, descend the trail through corn fields, then cross the Trisuli River via suspension bridge. Follow the river for around five hours until we reach our lodge in Thulo Syabru about 6 hours later.

Accommodation

Teahouse (1 night)

Meals Included

After breakfast, walk arrpox 3 hours to Thulo Bharku/Dhunche, then transfer to Nuwakot via private vehicle. Our charming accommodation is set on an idyllic organic farm. Activities you can take part in include picking vegetables and learning to make Nepalese cuisine with the help of the head cook. In the evening you will accompany your leader to the old Nuwakot Durbar (Palace).

Accommodation

Farmhouse (1 night)

Meals Included

Rise early today for breakfast before we jump into our private vehicle and drive back to Kathmandu. We will spend some further time exploring Kathmandu before joining with our group for a final optional dinner tonight.

Next trip departures

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Important notes

1. This trip begins with a welcome meeting at 2pm on Day 1.
2. A single supplement is available on this trip for the nights spent in hotels only. It is not applicable while on trek.
3. Please bring 2 passport size photographs for your trekking permit to the group meeting.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Reviews

Mark Aleksandrow

The first few days of this trip were incredible. The Tamang Heritage trail is beautiful and worth any effort you put in but make sure you do train hard before you turn up. Unfortunately we had to stop hiking four days into the trek due to illness so I cannot speak for the Langtang portion.
What I can attest to is that iIf the worst happens and you do get sick or injured whilst on tour rest assured that the Intrepid team will do an amazing job helping you. Our tour guide Ram was amazing and did everything in his power to keep us going until we had to stop and then did just as good a job ensuring that we got all the help we needed. Post hospital Santos on the Intrepid desk in Kathmandu could not have been more helpful arranging alternate plans for us. If you do have the pleasure to deal with these guys in Nepal then you will have an amazing trip. I cannot say enough kind things about them.